In heart failure, the body does not receive enough blood, which is a serious condition. It does not mean that the heart is out of commission, but that it is working less efficiently. An acute (sudden) or chronic (long-term) heart failure can affect one or both sides of the heart.
Heart failure can be caused by many factors, such as:
Coronary artery disease (CAD), which is the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle
High blood pressure (hypertension), which makes the heart work harder to pump blood
Heart attack, which damages the heart muscle and reduces its pumping ability
Cardiomyopathy, which is a disease of the heart muscle that can be inherited or caused by infections, toxins, or alcohol abuse
Valvular heart disease, which is a problem with one or more of the heart valves that regulate blood flow
Arrhythmias, which are abnormal heart rhythms that can affect the heart’s pumping efficiency
Congenital heart defects, which are structural problems with the heart that are present at birth
Diabetes, which increases the risk of CAD and high blood pressure
Thyroid disorders, which can affect the heart’s rate and contractility
Anemia, which is a low level of red blood cells that carry oxygen to the tissues
Sleep apnea, which is a disorder that causes pauses in breathing during sleep and can lead to low oxygen levels and high blood pressure
The symptoms of heart failure can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition, but they may include:
Shortness of breath, especially with exertion or when lying down
Fatigue and weakness
Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet, abdomen, or veins in the neck
Coughing or wheezing, sometimes with blood-tinged sputum
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Chest pain or discomfort
Loss of appetite or nausea
Difficulty concentrating or confusion
Reduced urine output or increased urination at night
To diagnose heart failure, a doctor will perform a physical examination and ask about the patient’s medical history and symptoms. The doctor may also order some tests, such as:
Blood tests, to check for signs of infection, inflammation, kidney function, thyroid function, and other conditions that may cause or worsen heart failure
Chest X-ray, to look for signs of fluid in the lungs, enlarged heart, or other abnormalities
Electrocardiogram (ECG), to measure the electrical activity of the heart and detect any arrhythmias or damage
Echocardiogram, to use sound waves to create a picture of the heart and evaluate its structure and function
Cardiac catheterization, to insert a thin tube into a blood vessel and inject a dye that allows the doctor to see the blood flow and pressure in the heart and its chambers
Stress test, to monitor the heart’s response to exercise or medication that simulates exercise
Cardiac MRI, to use magnetic fields and radio waves to create detailed images of the heart and its tissues
The treatment of heart failure depends on the cause, type, and severity of the condition, but it may include:
Medications, to improve the heart’s pumping ability, reduce blood pressure, lower cholesterol, prevent blood clots, regulate heart rhythm, and reduce fluid retention
Devices, to help the heart beat more effectively, such as pacemakers, implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (ICDs), cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), or ventricular assist devices (VADs)
Surgery, to repair or replace damaged heart valves, bypass blocked arteries, or transplant a healthy heart from a donor
Lifestyle changes, to reduce the risk factors and complications of heart failure, such as quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, eating a low-salt and low-fat diet, exercising regularly, managing stress, and monitoring weight and fluid intake
The best way to prevent heart failure is to prevent or treat the conditions that can cause it, such as CAD, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. Some preventive measures include:
Having regular check-ups and screenings for heart disease and its risk factors
Taking medications as prescribed and following the doctor’s advice
Maintaining a healthy weight and body mass index (BMI)
Eating a balanced and nutritious diet that is rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, and low in salt, sugar, saturated fats, and trans fats
Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Limiting alcohol consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two drinks per day for men
Exercising for at least 30 minutes on most days of the week, or as recommended by the doctor
Managing stress and practicing relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing
Getting enough sleep and treating any sleep disorders, such as sleep apnea
Seeking help for any mental health issues, such as depression or anxiety
